The final season of Bill Belichick’s legendary tenure in New England was likely the worst. The Patriots began 1-5 and
finished with their first back-to-back losing seasons in 30 years by Week 12. Weeks 4 and 5 were especially
devastating, with the Patriots losing to the Cowboys and Saints by a combined 72-3. Quarterback Mac Jones was
benched for the final six games of the season, and Bailey Zappe did not prove to be the future either.
It all led to the Patriots parting ways with Belichick after 24 seasons, six Super Bowl championships, nine Super
Bowl appearances, 17 AFC East victories, and a slew of other unprecedented accomplishments. Jerod Mayo, the
linebackers coach, was hired as head coach on January 12. He had a message from the beginning: “I’m not trying to
be Bill.”
Maybe not, but Mayo and the Patriots have a lot of work ahead of them, both in light of Belichick’s success and the
shambles of a roster he left behind.
On a roster with so little quality, it’s difficult to identify a significant focus, albeit offensive players Onwenu and
Henry are supposedly returning. Most of the Patriots’ key free agents are concerned about either injury or output.
It all begins at quarterback for New England. Mac Jones’ promising start to his career fell apart during the last few
years, and he was traded to Jacksonville. The Patriots have the third overall pick in the April draft, so they should be
able to select one of Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, or Jayden Daniels. According to NFL Network, they have re-signed
Jacoby Brissett to a one-year, $8 million contract as their quarterback.
The wide receiver room has also been in desperate need of upgrading for years, and this year’s draft/free-agent class
is particularly good. There are also defensive needs, and as a head coach with a defensive experience, Mayo is
expected to focus on preventing the backslide that began in 2023. According to the NFL Network, New England will
sign LB Sione Takitaki to a two-year, $10 million deal.
Running back Antonio Gibson was a major free-agent signing as the Patriots seek to rebuild their offense.
